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Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Throughout my life this is one thing that I always stumble upon--accepting myself the way I am. I'm not a weirdo or anything. Well, maybe that's an opinion. Since high school, I've tried my best to fit in and found I really only fit in with the kids who didn't. Even then, I sometimes felt like a poseur, a person just accepted because I was nice, not for who I really was. Who was I? I really didn't know. But that's high school. You're looking for something, something that makes you not feel like you are a total outcast, a total zero.

Now, some of you may feel differently and that's fine. You may say, I like who I am and those who don't can just deal. So, you don't have to read the rest of this. I won't bore you. At times, I put this game face on, but deep down, I know I'm still looking. Even as an adult, I try my best to just fit in. I can relate to a lot of different types of folks so I'm not a total social idiot. I'm civil, in fact, I can be down right happy, but there is always something that never feels entirely real, like does this person really understands me, or are just being nice because they think I'm weird or not genuine or not serious. It's hard to describe, this feeling of acceptance.

So, at every stage in my life I try to learn who I am. What makes me...me?

Some things have changed since high school. I'm definitely more confident, and more determined to get what I want. Some things have not--taste in music, books, TV shows, all seem to stay the same. I'm finally have realized that writing is the one passion, I should've figured out sooner. Really, all the signs were there, I guess my brain wasn't. When I entered this whole writing world, I felt like, wow, this is me, totally, and it is, I just have to realize that I may still be the outsider in some situations. I have to keep doing what I want to do and not worry what others think of me. Sure, I'm not the coolest, obviously, I'm not the smartest, the most technical, or the most popular. I have to accept what I am good at, what makes me happy, as for my shortcomings, I must figure out how to make them better. I have to accept what is in my life and that I can't do it all. I can't keep up with some people and that's okay.

Learning to accept who you are is just that--you must learn it, and yes, there will be many times of why don't they like me, but you know what, you have something that's totally different, maybe making some people wish they had that too, they just don't say it. We can't please everyone. Another thing I have issues with, since that's all I felt like I had to do, please people, but I'm learning that you can't and it's okay. Pleasing yourself is the best feeling in the world.

I guess that's why I write YA. I wish I was more like my characters in high school. Going out with a totally hot guy, having some sort of super power on a rollercoaster ride to solving mysteries and dealing with super villians who are trying to take over the world. Hey, one can dream.

Monday, June 27, 2011

It takes a lot for me to get fired up and I don't usually talk about things outside of writing on my blog, meaning more news like stuff, and if I do, the stuff is usually simple or funny. I'm getting fired up, and to be honest, this is getting out of hand--completely ridiculous.

You might have heard about the accident of Ryan Dunn (Jackass star) and Zachary Hartwell. It's horrible and quite sad. Ryan is part of Bam Margara's (Jackass star, professional skateboarder) crew, our local celebrities. Now, I watch the show (which I find entertaining), and see them around town and all that, so no big deal. Yes, they tick people off and make of money doing it. I guess I never realized how big they were and how much the human public can be completely heartless. This accident happened around the corner from the house. It woke my husband and I up. At the time, we didn't know what it was.
At 2:30 am on June 20th, Ryan Dunn drove his Porsche 911 GT3 at 130 mph, hit a guardrail and landed in a bunch of trees. The car then caught fire. He was drunk at the time, .196 (.08 is the limit). The decision he made was extremely poor and I thank god that no one else was on the road. In fact, a lot of parents are bringing their kids to the crash site to show them what drinking and driving can do. Actually, lots of people are visiting the crash site (about 20-30 cars a day), which is fine if you are paying your respects. I'm all for that.

What I find totally insane is that people are picking up pieces from the site and selling them on ebay. My husband showed me this number that, well, totally made me sick. See this article. Someone sold the local newspaper (dated the day after the crash) that included the crash and death information of the two people involved. Yes, put the paper on ebay. Really? Yes, really. They sold it for $11,100. Who bought it? Not sure. Who sold it? Again, not sure. My question is why? In fact, this just makes me wonder about humanity. I'm really just speechless and maybe because this has been in my face all week that I can't believe it. I can't believe how big of a deal this is. Yes, horrible, and some say he, Ryan Dunn, had it coming. If that's what you believe, fine, you are entitled to your opinion, but making a profit off of a newspaper with the headline of this death? Hmmm. Is it for a charity to help people in some way? Then fine. (Although, I would question the person who bought it.)

I think about the family and friends of these two, and think about what they might be going through, not what can I make off it. So sad.

The other thing is-- there is an article that some extremist group from Kansas is supposed to come and protest a public memorial for the deceased. They claim that they are "going to hell." This group also protests U.S. soldiers who died in Iraq. Again, really? Do you have to come here? I think just seeing the crash site is enough. Let it rest.

Okay, sorry for my rant, just had to put it out there. I guess this is why I write scifi and paranormal, I need to get out of this world.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Ending a chapter isn't easy. I mean, you want the reader to read on, right? What's the best way to end it and how do you know when? I was reading a WD article on 3 Ways to end a chapter and found it interesting.

I tend to write a chapter with an ending in mind. Now, this may not be a normal way of doing things, especially while writing the first draft, but my mind is not the most normal. I've been told to write the first draft straight without worrying about breaks in chapters, which is hard for me. On this last project, I did a mixture of both. I think some folks do chapter breaks as part of their outline some say, no, concentrate on the structure. I think that's all up to what you feel is right for you.

Regardless of your method, ending a chapter the right way is a must. Like I said, you want the reader to continue.

One way: End it when the story requires a shift. A change of time, place, scene, weather, points of view all can end a chapter nicely, leaving you wanting to know what will happen next.
For example-- Rachel grabs her bag stuffed full of all her possessions. "Let's go," she says. We run to the car and drive down the street heading to nowhere. Okay, maybe not the best example.

Another way: End it in the middle of action. This is my favorite kind of chapter ending. It's like the dum dum dummmm. Leaving me wanting more and more.A good fight, chase scene, kissing scene, really killer dialogue, you get the idea.
For example-- The door swings open, Joe throws a fist at Tim, and blood splatters from his nose. Yeah. I'll turn the page wanting to know how that ended and why.
Another example that's even better-- I just finished reading Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (don't say a word, I'm behind, and yes, so awesome). One of her chapters ended like this, "Without hesistation, I shoot her through the heart." Okay, who doesn't want to read on?

What's your favorite way of ending a chapter?

Any other tidbits you would like to share?

Have a great weekend! I will reveal the winner of the Lipstick Laws contest on Monday.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

I've written about this in a guide format seen here, but I have to say I've learned more, and quite frankly, it's like learning a second language. I would love to be fluent in German. I know a little to get me by, but I've heard from others, who are fluent, that you know the language when you dream in that language. Is that true for writing, absolutely. It doesn't mean you know everything, but you're getting it.

So, the big debate are you a writer or not? Is that what you call someone when they have the traits below?

1. You talk to yourself. I mean, you talk to your characters. Others may think you're talking to yourself.

2. You can see what tense you're writing in. Yep, just got this one. You know my battle with it, well after tons of practice, I'm getting it. I can actually see it. Whew.

3. You constantly think of ways to describe something. I tried for hours thinking of ways to describe smoke floating over water or how to descirbe a matchbox car. It doesn't matter what it is you just think of words and when you can write them. In between my thoughts, my kids try to interrupt, but I keep trying to think of words, blocking out their little voices. Hope they didn't ask me for something. Eek.

4. You rather write than eat. Okay, I still like to eat chocolate, but I will give it up to write. Why do I hear crickets?

5. You carry a journal with tons of stuff jammed in it for ideas. Could be pictures of things, sketches, maps, tons of notes, you get the idea. You may be more organized than me. That's fine too.

6.When you talk to your significant other, you know they're talking, but you develop a haze over your eyes thinking about that one scene that will rock your MS.

7. You have papercuts all over your fingers. Hmmm who am I talking about?

8. You look for your character in a crowd of people, hoping you can find someone that looks like your MC that's living and breathing. Yes, I'm talking about someone else--not me. I would never do this. He he. :)

9. Your best ideas come at the most inconvenient times. Totally stinks.

10. You make sure your emails are grammatically correct.

11. You look for the noun, verb, etc. in a recipe for cheescake. I'm just sayin'. You continually look for these things.

Of course, the most important thing that makes you a writer is ---you write and you love it.

Anything to add? Please do in the comments.

I actually got half way through the first draft of my MS, and I have a lot of work to do, but I'm excited for revisions. Strange.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Don't forget my contest ends this Thursday. You still have time to enter.

Over the weekend, I watched Star Wars, Empires Strikes Back, and little bit of Return of the Jedi (Spike TV had a marathon). That's a lot of worlds and a lot of rules. It got me thinking about world building. I write a lot of science fiction and paranormal, in fact, I can't seem to focus on anything else. This requires a lot of world building. I hear you, "World building...what?" Yes, world building.

We, as humans, tend to associate everything to what we know. What is in our world and how is it relatable to what the author is trying to say? I have a couple of worlds that are not...earth, so, how do I get someone to read my story who is a human. I world build.

How do you start?

With many questions. Lots and lots of questions. Most of the answers may not ever be described in your MS. Can you imagine the world building for Harry Potter or The Hunger Games? Your reader needs get the idea of what the world is like and read it like your world is "normal" or could happen.

I'll start you off.

1. What is the atmosphere in your world? Weather? Any unique animals? Can humans live there? Is there water? Trees? Basically, what is the land like?

2. What type of beings live there? Are they like humans? How do they think? Are they magical? Any types of rituals? What language do they speak? What are their rules? Do they have a type of goverment?

3. Is the world a planet somewhere in space, or just something on another plane? Can a human travel there? If so, how?

4. Me, who loves to also add romance, asks these quetions. Can a human fall in love with one of these beings? Are there any "problems" if they do?

Now, this is only a small part of what you should go into. These questions are only meant as a starting point. Get detailed, and elaborate on the questions above. Take those questions further. Keep going. Farther than you may think you need to go.

Like I said before, the answers may not make to the MS, but you must know them to make it sound believable, and this knowledge also adds depth.

World building is not just for science fiction and paranormal writers. Fantasy, yes, but any genre really. Even if you are staying in this world make sure everything still applies. It's all from your characters point of view, so do they know what is going on around them? How do they see it? Do they know the rules? Ask youself the questions to be sure and get detailed. The more you know, the more believeable your story will be.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Being that I hope to query soon, I wanted to talk about what happens after you sign with an agent. Now, I don't have an agent...yet. :) I'm working hard towards that. So when I read this post, my heart sank. Most of us may think that once we get our awesome agent, our problems are over, birds will sing, the flowers will seem a little more vibrant, and we may feel like we are walking on air. I have thought this and for the most part this does happen. You see the celebrations on blogs, giveaways, etc. It happens and I get all excited (and a little jealous) of those folks. It's great to see dreams come true. But what happens after the party settles?

Now, I know a few folks who have been through this. Once you get your agent that is super awesome and you can go to him/her for anything, you may even hang out together (this is kind of my dream, people). The typical progression may be-- your agent sends you revisions (sometimes lots of them) to ready your baby for submission. Once your agent is satisfied, then submission to publishers it is. This process can be long or short depending on your journey. Once you land that book deal, more revisions may occur, then it's onto getting a real book. I'm sure I'm missing some steps, and this is probably the smoothest publishing story ever (it's a dream), so leave anything you would like to add in the comments on that. Like I said, I'm no where near this stage, I'm just giving a brief overview of the process.

But what happens when the agent deal isn't what you expected? What if you don't click with that agent after you sign the contract? What if that agent never really seems interested? What if they never submit your work?

I read this post from Candace Ganger and it got me thinking. This isn't the first time I've read something like this and I wonder how you can avoid it. How can someone really know if the agent is right for them? Sure research, but what if that's not enough? Trust your gut, yes, but is there any other way this heart break can be avoided?

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Contests:Erica and Christy's awesome giveaway. You really have to check this out. The prizes are amazing. So go check it out. Ends June 20th. There is something for everyone.

Kelly from Kelly's Compositions is having a 200 followers giveaway. Go give her some love. Great, great prizes. I'm serious. There are surprises too. Ends June 24th.

Don't forget about my contest. A signed copy of Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder. Ends June 19th.

So, I did it. I finished my first draft of my second novel. It's funny to say that I actually have written two novels. Of course, they are in no shape to query, but I'll be working on that. After I finished the other night, I actually started writing the sequel to my first novel. I can't stop writing. It's a great feeling.

I know I have to wait at least a week before I can even look at my recent first draft to revise. It feels weird not writing because my head is constantly thinking of words. For example, I took my kids to Longwood Gardens ( a local attraction that has tons of trees, flowers, fountains, etc.). There is a childrens garden that contains a fountain with smoke that sits over the water (think medieval type look). I started thinking of ways to describe how the smoke moves across the water. I thought how can I fit this into a story. See, hard to stop.

The first draft needs to simmer, or should I say, cure like a fine wine. Okay, food is on my brain. But it does, it needs to sit so your creative juices get a new perspective. That way when you look at it again, it's seems new. Now it may taste a little different, so you may need to add some ingredients to make it even taste better.

So, what do you do. I should know, I've been at this stage before.

Here's what I came up with:
1. Clean the house. I really don't want to because I think I keep up with it, but some organizing should help.

2. Eat ice cream. Check that off, I did that yesterday.

3. Eat chocolate. I do this already.

4. Take up yoga. Maybe.

5. Write a query letter. Who am I kidding. I'm not sure I can do this with an unrevised manuscript. Thoughts?

6. New idea. I have about four brewing.

7. Start book 2 of WiP #1. I actually did when I finished my recent first draft. Maybe I should flesh it out.

8. Go to the beach. Fun.

9. Read, read and read. Make a dent in TBR pile. Possible.

10. Watch TV. I'm sure there are a couple of interesting shows on.

11. Gardening. No green thumb here.

12. Start running. Exercise is necessary but the tread mill is giving me a dirty look.

13. Write interesting blog posts, because let's face it they've been lacking, and I lost a few followers over the last couple of days. Still makes me sad when that happens.

Here's the deal. I have no idea how to fill the time. Maybe a combo of all of it.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Over the weekend, I went to a book signing. I met Jennifer Hubbard (The Secret Year) and Amy Holder (The Lipstick Laws). First of all, so fun. It's so nice to meet authors who are really nice. Second, I love when they answer questions and give advice. I even took my kids, who wound up behaving. I know amazing. Book signings are a great way to network and meet other authors/writers. It's also a great way to be introduced to new books and books that are already out there. Plus, I like supporting the local authors. Both these gals live in PA.

So, because you are all so awesome, and have put up with me in my first draft mayhem, I decided to hold a contest.

The prize:

A signed copy of The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder. Who, I might add, is such a sweetie. The book is addicting and that's all I'm sayin'.

Rules: Make sure you're a follower and leave a comment telling me if you have met any published authors recently? If you have, who? If you haven't, who would you like to meet?

That is all. I will use random.org to pick the winner.

Now, of course, if you promote this contest you will get extra points. Make sure you tell me what you do. :)

4. One day my son will grow out of the super frustrating temper tantrums and I will be able to bring him shopping without pulling my hair out. A 20 minute grocery store trip with my son is like a horrible form of torture. Here was my list and what he did to each item:

Bananas--tried to eat through the skin
lotion--opened and all over his hands
foam soap--opened and all over his shirt
chips--tried to open the bag
milk--tried to open the top to pour on his sister
finally--bit his sister, laughed, and tried to open the other gallon of milk in the checkout line. So fun!

5. When does school start again? Yes, it's going to be a long summer, and sorry teachers, I know it's your vacation. I'm just sayin', writing hasn't been easy.

6. I'm finally noticing my tense issues thanks to Laurel from Laurel's Leaves. She did a post for her ask the editor series and she chose my question on tenses. Thanks Laurel!

7. Hit 44K on my first draft of my second novel and got a ton of brainstorms. I can't wait to edit. Please remind me that I said this when I post a whiny one in the middle of my revisions.

8. That's it, have a great weekend! Any weekend plans? You know you want to be in this picture.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

I'm cracking at my first draft and I have to say, it's getting there. Here's the problem, when I'm super focused on one thing something else lacks. Right now my posts are lacking creativity, writerly advice, actually anything remotely interesting. So sorry. I thought I would give you my stats.

I started my second baby in February.

Tenative Title: Dream Thieves
Genre: Young adult paranormal romance (I tend to have to have romance in everything I write. I can't help myself.)
Pages: so far 183 (some pages are blank due to my writing out of order.)
Words: 43,323

There you have it. This is what's taking all my brain focus. Hopefully, I will start writing some creative and thought provoking posts, but when the brain is occupied, well, you know how it goes.

Monday, June 6, 2011

I took Saturday night off. I watched some really interesting TV (Parking Wars, yeah I know), and after having three Augustiners (german beer), I came up with a TV show for my cat (remember, I had three german beers). I know, my cat. A commerical came on for a helmet camera. You know, one of those things you put on your head when you're skateboarding, sky diving, or doing some extreme sport. I guess you could use it for anything, but extreme sports is what they were pushing. So I thought, wouldn't it be funny if I put it on my cat's head to see what she does all day (which is mainly sleep, but if you add a voice to the footage how hilarious would that be). I mean, seriously, it might turn out to be better than some of the shows out there.

Then I started to think about my characters. A friend of mine said she had trouble getting into her characters and asked how do I get into mine. Most of the time they are there, they just come to me, sometimes music helps (okay, it helps a lot). For some reason, I somehow put myself into them. I see, feel, hear, taste and smell everything that is going on around them. I am apart of them and that's what I want my reader to feel. I write first person so I want my reader to be the character.

But what about the other characters? You know, your supportive cast. You have to get into them too, mainly to make them authentic, as real as the main character. Those characters can give you trouble, blocking you out, and not letting you in, especially if you "know" your main character inside and out, it can be hard to get into another characters head. The first thing to try (if you haven't done it already) is to write out details about that character. Treat it like an interview. Ask different questions you want to know--age, eye color, likes, dislikes, etc. Don't get scared if they answer you. It's part of the process. If they still seem a little foreign, then try strapping the helmet cam to their head. What would they see and hear? What would they touch and eat? You may see more than you knew about them in the first place. It may put you in their perspective and eventually put you into them.

Now, this is a by no means a proven method, just something I just happen to stumble upon over the weekend in my crazy thought process. So, that's my quick post this morning. You may think its a little strange, but it may work. As for my cat, no helmet cam yet.

How do you get into your supportive characters heads?

How was your weekend?

Any goals for the week?

My goals finish a MS for a CP and finish my first draft. Pretty much the same as last week.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Thanks for all of your feedback on the whole e-reader and my character craziness. I finally got through the bump, and I'm happy to say, I see the end in sight. So sorry for my panic post.

On with the review.

I won a signed copy of Shade last year from the lovely Dianne Salerni. I didn't read right away, but when I finally did. I was in love. When I heard that this was a trilogy, I did a happy dance. Why? First, here is my review of Shade. Second, I loved Shade. I guess if you read my review you could get that impression. Anyway, I was excited to hear of the second book's release, but a little scared. What if I didn't like it? Sometimes the next book falls short. Well, my friends, no disappointment here. None at all. Let me give you the blurb.

Aura’s life is anything but easy. Her boyfriend, Logan, died, and his slides between ghost and shade have left her reeling. Aura knows he needs her now more than ever. She loves Logan, but she can’t deny her connection with the totally supportive, totally gorgeous Zachary. And she’s not sure that she wants to.

Logan and Zachary will fight to be the one by her side, but Aura needs them both to uncover the mystery of her past—the mystery of the Shift.
As Aura’s search uncovers new truths, she must decide whom to trust with her secrets…and her heart.

The review:
I will make this short because there is not much to say other than I loved this. Yes, I'm gushing. You know how I get with books that I've read in two days, yes two days, because I couldn't put it down. I have to say this has become one of my favorite trilogies, and making Jeri Smith-Ready, one of my favorite authors. I'm not going to comment on how I missed the local book signing. Let's just say, my family owes me big.

Anyway, the pace, characterization, voice, dialogue, plot, all of it, in my mind, was wonderful. Now of course, the formula was right for me: ghosts, romance, love triangle, action, drama, mystery, yeah it's all in there, and let's not not forget, the kind of punky musician, Logan, and, Zachary, the Scottish boy. Hey, don't judge. The characters were so real to me, it reminded me of my high school years, my friends people, I was a good girl. No, I didn't see ghosts so I guess that makes me a Pre-shifter.

The love triangle between Zachary, Aura, and Logan kept my heart pounding, and bouncing back and forth on which one should win. I really couldn't decide.

The whole idea of pre-shifters and post-shifters is fantastic mixed with the mystery of Aura and Zachary's past, couldn't have been planned any better. The whole story plays out beautifully.

Another thing that I really loved is the location where all of this takes place. The main locations--Baltimore and Philadelphia. The author is from these parts and I know every place she describes, so it's fun to see something local written into something paranormal with great detail. Also, some other locations are Ireland and Scotland, places I wish to visit one day.

The end: I'm not going there. You must read it for yourself because, Shine, the final book in the series will be out Summer of 2012. I will definitely be buying a copy of that one.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

I'm almost finished my first draft of my second WiP. I have to say this one has been a little challenging and I'm sure revisions will be the biggest challenge of them all. I'm having trouble understanding where on earth this story is going. I do have a loose outline, but as of right now these characters must be drunk, because its so far from what I expected.

Since I write out of order, I keep plopping all around the story. It's strange, but feels right for me. The only problem is it takes forever. Plus, I have a huge fear of how crappy it will be when I'm done (another reason why I think I'm having a hard time). I love my beginning and end, and maybe some middle parts, but I'm not liking where I'm at. How do you continue?

I've been told to write straight through don't stop. It will be horrible and crappy, but that's what revisions are for. I just don't want my revisions to take another year.

This story has flown by, but I'm worried it's just words I'm going to cut, to re-write, re-write, re-write in the end. I've done that to my first one and that took 2 years to get it to where it is now and I still need to revise it.

Argh. I need some advice. I not a hardcore plotter. I know that because things change so much when I write.

I want to finish this since I'm at 40K (hoping to have 50-60K by the end), but need to keep my focus on it. I also have been wanting to just take a break and go back to revise my first on. I've been told no, keep going, finish, then go back.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

First contest--Frankie is having a book giveaway. Not sure when it ends. Check out her hysterical vlogs while you're there. There is another book giveaway at the First Novels Club too (Frankie participates on this blog). So check it out after you read my post, or go and read it, then come back. Your choice.

Another contest at Paul Joseph Writes--A book giveaway of the The Great Lenore by J.M. Tohline. Looks like a great book. Paul writes a wonderful review about it. Ends June 6th.

Let me just say, I had a great time this weekend. Spending time with friends and family was great. If you are in Philly and need some close to authentic German fare (I'm talking food and beer. Oh and atmosphere), definitely try Brauhaus Schmitz or Frankford Hall or both. Both provided great times. I say no more, and no, I don't have pictures for you. **coughs** Lots of hypothetical stories.:)

In other news--I'm probably one of the only people on the planet who does not have a Kindle or Nook. I'll wait while you laugh at me. It takes me a while to give in to some things. I love holding a book. The smell of the pages and the beautiful colors on the covers make me happy. It's like a work of art on my shelves. Here's the deal. It's called room. I'm running out of room for my book collection. Yes, I could give some away, but a lot of them are close to me in one way or another.

My husband asked a while back if I wanted one of these reading devices and I stomped my foot, and said, "No way are you kidding me?" Now, after hearing how awesome they are, and realizing I can't have a library as big as my house, I'm considering one (kicking and screaming a little).Although, I still will buy books that I truly love. I can't stop completely, jeez. What kind of person do you think I am?

Here's my question (pretty obvious, I'm sure):

If you have one of these do you like it?

Which one would you recommend? Kindle 3 or Nook color?

Any advice when buying one?

How was your weekend and your goals?

My goals are to read a MS and finish writing my first draft. Okay, the first draft will most likely be finished next week, but I can dream.

About Me

Hello and welcome!
I am a wife,stay at home mom, interior designer and a writer. Most of my time is spent chasing monsters around my house that for some reason call me 'mom'. The rest of my time is spent writing. I write young adult novels that usually have some sort of science fiction or paranormal element. Yes, I'm loving every minute of it.